The New Jerusalem
Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1860
My dear friends,
In Revelation 21:1-6a, there is an intense vision of renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of good over suffering. As we step into the New Year, it's a beautiful time to meditate upon the idea of renewal, both personally and globally.
for the first heaven and the first earth
had passed away,
and the sea was no more.
This verse represents an end to the old and the birth of a new age. Nothing in life is fixed or permanent; everything is subject to change and decay. But in this decay, in this ending, there is also the opportunity for rebirth and renewal. As we look forward to the New Year, we are all given a chance to reflect, renew, and reimagine our lives.
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
This poetic vision of divine beauty and perfection manifesting in the world calls to mind the East Asian Buddhist concept of pure lands. The pure land is not simply a place somewhere else. It's a metaphor for the potential for enlightenment that exists in our minds, a state of ultimate peace and wisdom that we can bring forth into this world. From a Christian point of view, we would say that this is made possible through the help of the Holy Spirit working within us.
He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away."
These verses mirror the promise of liberation from suffering through the Noble Eightfold Path. Following this path, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit of love, compassion and wisdom, can lead us to a state of serenity and equanimity, free from the chains of greed, anger, and ignorance, the primary sources of suffering in our lives.
Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Then he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
This reminds us of the endless possibilities that lie before us. Just as we can renew our own lives through introspection and change, we also have the power to bring about change in the world around us.
As we step into this New Year, may we embrace the spirit of renewal, and strive to create a "new earth" in our hearts and in our actions, where compassion, understanding, and peace reign. May we find the courage to let go of the old, and the wisdom to bring forth the new. Let us remember that every moment is a chance for us to renew, to transform, and to awaken.
Happy New Year to you all, and may you find peace and happiness in your journey through life.